The First Year in Madinah

By the end of this episode, you will be able to answer three questions. How was the location for Masjid-al-nabvi chosen? Who was appointed as the first Muezzin and why? And what were the terms of the treaty with the Jewish tribes? Welcome to PodThis and Study Session.

The arrival at Madinah and the building of Masjid-al-Nabvi marked the start of the Prophet's new life after his migration. When the Messenger of Allah arrived, most people had already returned to their houses. A Jewish man was the first person to see him. This event is seen as fulfilling a prophecy written in the Torah. As he entered the city, children sang and the people greeted him with great enthusiasm. Everyone wanted the Prophet to stay at their home. They tried to lead his she-camel, Qaswa, by her halter. The Prophet told them to let her go because she was under divine orders. Qaswa eventually stopped and knelt at the home of Banu Malik Ibn al-Najjar. This specific spot now marks the location of the door to the Prophet's mosque. The land belonged to two orphan boys named Sahil and Suhail. The Prophet paid them the price for the land so he could build Masjid-al-Nabvi. While the mosque was being built, he stayed at the house of Abu Ayub al Ansari. The Prophet worked hard with his companions to finish the construction. The Quran describes this mosque as a place with a foundation laid on piety from the first day. After the building was finished, the Muslims needed a way to announce the time for congregational prayer. The Prophet asked his companions for their suggestions. Some proposed using a horn, or ringing bells, or even lighting a fire. The Prophet did not approve of these ideas because they resembled the traditions of other groups. Then, a companion named Abdullah bin Zaid shared a dream he had. In this dream, he was taught the specific words of the Azaan. The Prophet recognized the dream as true. He asked Abdullah to teach the words to Bilal. Bilal was chosen as the first Muezzin because he had a loud and beautiful voice.

Establishing brotherhood and the agreement reached with the tribes organized the new community once the Prophet had arrived and settled. The Muslims in Madinah belonged to two specific categories. You've got the Muhajirin, who are the emigrants who traveled from Makkah. Then you've got the Ansar, or the Helpers, who were the local residents of Madinah. The Prophet set up a formal bond of brotherhood between these two groups. He told the Ansar he wanted to create this brotherhood because the Muhajirin needed help. The Ansar willingly agreed to this arrangement. This new unity also ended the old enmity between the local tribes of Aus and Khazraj. The Quran mentions that their hearts were joined in love so they could become brothers. The Prophet also consulted with the three main Jewish tribes settled around the city. These tribes were the Banu Qainuqa, the Banu Nazir, and the Banu Quraiza. Together, they reached an agreement that gave the Jews equal rights. This treaty gave them full liberty to follow their own faith without interference. It stated that Muslims and Jews were allies who would help each other. Both parties agreed to defend Madinah if the city faced an attack. The treaty also guaranteed the protection of their lives and property. Through this agreement, the Prophet became the leader and head of the State of Madinah. Any disputes involving the Jews were to be decided by their own law, the Taurah. Finally, the town's name changed from Yathrib to Madina tul Nabi. It's a name that translates to the City of the Prophet. Question. Whose land was purchased to build Masjid-al-nabvi and what were their names? Answer. The land belonged to two orphan boys named Sahil and Suhail.

We’re starting the recap quiz now. Try to answer each question in your head before you hear the right one. Question. Why did the Prophet reject the use of horns, bells, or fire to call people to prayer? Answer. He did not approve of these methods because they resembled the practices of the unbelievers. Question. Who was appointed as the first Muezzin and why? Answer. Bilal was appointed to this role. He was chosen because he had a loud and beautiful voice. Question. Who were the Muhajirin and the Ansar? Answer. The Muhajirin were the emigrants who migrated from Makkah. The Ansar were the helpers in Madinah who gave them shelter and aid. Question. According to the treaty, how were the disputes of the Jewish tribes to be decided? Answer. The treaty established that their disputes would be decided according to their own law of Taurah. Question. What was the name of the town changed to? Answer. The name was changed from Yathrib to Madina tul Nabi. This name means the City of the Prophet.

How many of five? Replay the chapter for each one you missed.